A severe cold wave driven by a polar high is affecting several countries in the region, bringing freezing temperatures and snowfall. Weather expert Issa Ramadan reported that snow has already begun falling on Iraq’s northern highlands, with the cold mass moving southward towards Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Other Gulf nations, as well as Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, are also expected to experience a sharp drop in temperatures, with snowfall anticipated in mountainous areas.
Meteorologist Fahad Al-Otaibi stated that temperatures in Kuwait City will range between 4 to 5 degrees Celsius, while desert areas may approach freezing levels. He warned of a significant temperature drop midweek, though snowfall in Kuwait remains unlikely. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirmed a similar drop in temperatures, with frost formation expected at night and early morning, along with light rain in some areas, particularly in the southwestern highlands.
Meanwhile, meteorological authorities in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria have issued warnings about the extreme cold, heavy rain, and snowfall. The impact of the weather has extended to air travel, with Turkish Airlines announcing the cancellation of several flights to and from Istanbul International Airport due to snowfall. The ongoing cold spell is expected to continue, prompting authorities to advise caution and preparedness across the affected regions.
